Creamy Cheese Delight: Ultimate Pasta Formaggio Recipe

Pasta Formaggio Recipe

Overview:

Indulge in the creamy richness of Pasta Formaggio, a dish that rivals the flavors of a restaurant meal but is surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining a crowd, this recipe yields a sumptuous pasta dish that consistently earns rave reviews. Originally inspired by a cooking class, I’ve added my own twists to make it even more delicious.

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s completely melted and bubbling.

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2. Prepare Flour Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, dry mustard, chipotle chili powder, salt, and black pepper.

3. Combine Ingredients: Gradually whisk the flour mixture into the melted butter, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for about 1 minute until the mixture becomes bubbly.

4. Add Milk: Slowly pour in the evaporated milk, stirring constantly to incorporate it into the mixture. Then, add the regular milk, continuing to stir as you pour.

5. Thicken Sauce: Cook the mixture over medium heat until the sauce begins to thicken. Remember, the fattier the milk you use, the thicker the sauce will become.

6. Incorporate Cheeses: Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and add the grated Parmesan, Asiago, and shredded Mozzarella cheese. Stir frequently until the cheeses melt and the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.

7. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste until it’s fully incorporated into the cheese sauce, adding a depth of flavor and richness.

8. Cook Pasta: While preparing the sauce, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.

9. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta, ensuring that it’s evenly coated with the creamy goodness.

10. Optional Additions: If using peas, gently stir them into the pasta and sauce for added freshness and color.

11. Serve: Transfer the Pasta Formaggio to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional grated cheese if desired, and serve immediately while it’s hot and delicious.

12. Optional Topping: For an extra indulgent touch, you can top the Pasta Formaggio with buttered bread crumbs before serving. To do this, simply sprinkle the bread crumbs over the pasta and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

13. Enjoy: Dive into the rich, creamy goodness of Pasta Formaggio and savor every bite of this comforting dish. It’s sure to become a favorite in your household, whether it’s for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 487.6
• Total Fat: 14.8g
• Saturated Fat: 8.5g
• Cholesterol: 42.2mg
• Sodium: 692.2mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 68.2g
• Fiber: 3.8g
• Sugar: 3.2g
• Protein: 19.7g

Tips:

• Experiment with different types of pasta to find your favorite pairing with the creamy cheese sauce.
• If you’re short on time, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and simply reheat it when ready to serve.
• Customize the level of spice by adjusting the amount of chipotle chili powder to suit your taste preferences.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and consider adding other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Don’t skip the step of cooking the flour mixture until it’s bubbly; this ensures that the sauce doesn’t have a raw flour taste.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Conclusion:

With its creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, Pasta Formaggio is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Whether enjoyed as a comforting weeknight meal or served as the star attraction at a dinner party, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to indulge in a taste sensation that’s as good as any restaurant offering. Buon appetito! 🍝✨